Trade + Sustainability Hub 2026

We are bringing the Trade + Sustainability Hub back for a fourth edition, this time alongside the Fourteenth World Trade Organization (WTO) Ministerial Conference (MC14) in Yaoundé, Cameroon. In March 2026, the Hub will once again convene thought leaders from across governments, business, and civil society for a series of in-depth conversations on how trade policy can evolve to meet today’s global challenges and deliver meaningful progress on sustainable development.

Delivering for development: What is possible and how do we get there?

As the global community grapples with development setbacks, geopolitical shifts, and climate pressures, the Trade + Sustainability Hub will explore how international trade policy can serve as a constructive force. Sessions will cover topics on the official WTO agenda, including key MC14 decisions, while also looking beyond to the fast-evolving trade landscape of coalitions, regional deals, and unilateral action.

Discussions will unfold across three key thematic streams:

Agriculture is a cornerstone of development, food security, and economic resilience. But climate change, shifting market standards, and sustainability demands are reshaping the trade landscape.

  • How can global rules support developing countries' agriculture sectors to adapt and thrive?
  • What role can trade play in balancing environmental goals with productivity and livelihoods?

The race to decarbonize is underway—but not all economies are starting from the same place.

  • How can trade policy support equitable participation in the low-carbon transition?
  • What tools can governments use to protect domestic interests while contributing to global goals?

From AI to digital services, the future of industrialization is digital—and fast-moving. While digitization has created opportunities for some small enterprises, SMEs overall lag behind in the update of digital tools, particularly those that require large amounts of capital or scale.

  • How can trade policy support developing countries and their businesses to compete in a global economy that is changing faster than ever?
  • What do small and medium-sized enterprises need to grow and thrive in a digitizing global economy? 

When and where:

The Trade + Sustainability Hub will begin on Thursday, March 26, and conclude on Saturday, March 28. The Hub will be held in person at the Hilton Yaoundé Hotel in Cameroon, close to where MC14 is taking place.

It will also include a virtual component: selected Hub sessions will be livestreamed to registered participants, and recordings of these sessions will be available on this website.

Formalities for entering Cameroon

Most foreign visitors need to obtain a visa before traveling to Cameroon. 

Travelers must present a valid World Health Organization (WHO) vaccination card confirming they have received the yellow fever vaccine in order to enter the country.

 

Disclaimer

Please note that IISD is unable to sponsor or support visa applications for speakers or participants. Additionally, IISD cannot cover any costs related to travel, accommodation, or other expenses. These remain the sole responsibility of participants and speakers.

The Hub is organized in collaboration with the World Trade Organization (WTO)